Non-Toxic Laminate Flooring 101 + Brands to Look For

Laminate flooring is a popular choice among homeowners thanks to its affordability, easy maintenance, and wide range of styles. 

While traditional laminate flooring works well for many households, more consumers are now looking for non-toxic alternatives as they learn about indoor air quality. 

The main concern is Volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These are the chemicals that get released into the air from various synthetic components that are often used in laminate production.

VOCs are common in many laminate flooring components, from adhesives to coatings and core materials. These chemicals can linger in your home for months or years after installation and may cause respiratory issues, headaches, and other health problems, especially in homes with poor ventilation.

As the demand for healthier home materials grows, manufacturers now offer low-VOC and VOC-free laminate flooring options that use water-based finishes and formaldehyde-free materials. 

To help you make an informed choice, we’ve put together a list of trusted brands that make both durable and health-conscious flooring, but before that, let’s see why VOCs are such a big deal.

From Mild Headaches to Long-Term Health Risks

after investigations revealed some of their laminate flooring products were releasing formaldehyde at levels exceeding safety standards. This wake-up call led to increased scrutiny of flooring materials and their impact on indoor air quality.

The main culprits in laminate and vinyl flooring are adhesives, resins, and binding agents used in the manufacturing process. 

The most concerning VOC is formaldehyde, which is classified as a known human carcinogen by major health organizations, including the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), and has been directly linked to nasal cancer and leukemia through prolonged exposure.

Other problematic VOCs include benzene, toluene, and xylene, which are often present in finishes and protective coatings.

The Health Effects of VOC Exposure

The health effects of VOC exposure typically fall into two categories – short-term and long-term impacts:

Short-term symptoms often appear soon after installation:

• Eye, nose, and throat irritation
• Headaches and dizziness
• Nausea
• Worsening of asthma symptoms
• Allergic skin reactions
• Fatigue and difficulty concentrating

Long-term health risks from prolonged exposure can be more serious:

• Damage to liver, kidneys, and central nervous system
• Increased risk of certain cancers (particularly linked to formaldehyde exposure)
• Chronic respiratory problems
• Development or worsening of chemical sensitivities
• Potential developmental issues in children

Research shows that VOC levels are typically highest immediately after installation and during the first several months, but some flooring can continue to off-gas for years. The risk is particularly high in homes with poor ventilation, high humidity, or elevated temperatures – all factors that can increase VOC emission rates.

Why Multiple VOC Sources Are More Dangerous Than One

What makes VOCs particularly concerning is their cumulative effect. While a single flooring installation might release acceptable levels of VOCs, these chemicals can combine with VOCs from other household sources like paints, furniture, and cleaning products, creating a more significant health risk.

Studies by the EPA and various environmental health organizations have found that indoor air can be 2-5 times more polluted than outdoor air, with VOCs being a major contributor.

Without adequate ventilation, VOCs from multiple sources accumulate over time, creating what environmental scientists call a “sick building syndrome,” where the indoor environment becomes increasingly toxic.

What is Non-Toxic Laminate?

Non-toxic laminate flooring is engineered to minimize harmful chemical emissions by changing two key aspects of traditional laminate production: the core materials and the finishing process.

The core of non-toxic laminate is made without urea-formaldehyde adhesives, instead using phenol-formaldehyde or formaldehyde-free binders that are more stable and emit significantly fewer VOCs. Some manufacturers also use solid wood or bamboo cores rather than composite materials.

The surface layers are finished with water-based coatings instead of traditional solvent-based ones. These coatings use natural resins or low-VOC synthetic materials to achieve durability without releasing harmful chemicals. Many non-toxic laminates also feature a built-in underlayment made from natural materials like cork or recycled rubber, eliminating the need for additional adhesives during installation.

How Can You Recognize Non-Toxic Laminate?

You can recognize non-toxic flooring options through their certifications. Third-party certifications like GREENGUARD, FloorScore, or CARB2 verify that these products meet strict emission standards. These certifications test the complete flooring system – from core to surface treatment – ensuring consistently low VOC emissions throughout the product’s lifetime.

While CARB2 specifically focuses on formaldehyde emissions and is mandatory for all flooring sold in California, GREENGUARD and FloorScore test for a broader range of VOCs and have more stringent requirements, which makes them better all-around indicators of a truly non-toxic product.

Greenguard and FloorScore Certified Laminate Brands

Finding non-toxic laminate flooring becomes much easier when you focus on brands that have earned these rigorous certifications. These manufacturers have invested in cleaner production processes and better materials to create flooring that meets strict emission standards. 

Here are several brands that offer certified, non-toxic laminate options:

Newton

Newton is a leader in non-toxic home solutions with an emphasis on three core principles: health, sustainability, and durability. 

Their products have earned GREENGUARD Gold certification, which confirms minimal VOC emissions and safe indoor air quality. 

In addition, the company uses water-based finishes and formaldehyde-free adhesives to reduce environmental impact. 

Their Clearwater collection features exquisite wood and stone-look products in a water-resistant format. The Clearwater collection is made in Europe, GreenGuard Gold-certified as low-VOC, and rated for both residential and light commercial applications.

Newton laminate maintains its quality standards with scratch-resistant designs that work well in busy households. This balance of safety, sustainability, and long-lasting quality has made Newton a top choice for homeowners who want non-toxic laminate flooring.

Mannington

Mannington is committed to health, sustainability, and quality in their laminate flooring. Their products have earned FloorScore® certification, which guarantees low VOC emissions and meets strict indoor air quality standards. They also follow the NALFA LF-01 standard, including CARB compliance for formaldehyde emissions.

The company takes environmental responsibility seriously. Over 70% of their laminate flooring contains post-industrial recycled content, and they use water-based, low-VOC ink systems for their decorative layers. As a USA-based manufacturer, Mannington maintains high standards for both quality and environmental practices.

Mannington’s laminate Restoration Collection features FloorScore certification for low VOC emissions and SpillShield Plus Waterproof Technology. This makes it suitable for use even in kitchens or bathrooms.

Their advanced printing technology creates wood-look finishes that are nearly indistinguishable from real hardwood.

Through its mix of strict certifications, sustainable materials, and eco-friendly manufacturing, Mannington provides a reliable option for non-toxic laminate flooring.

Liberty Home

Liberty Home laminate flooring combines eco-conscious design with quality craftsmanship, featuring FloorScore certification for low VOC emissions and CARB compliance for formaldehyde safety. Known for their commitment to sustainable practices, Liberty Home delivers durable, stylish, and environmentally friendly flooring solutions for healthier homes.

Liberty Home’s Independence line offers certified, non-toxic laminate flooring options. This collection features both FloorScore certification for low VOC emissions and meets CARB standards for formaldehyde control. 

Independence 100% waterproof laminate is the perfect fit for a busy lifestyle. With an AC4 durability rating, not only is it pet- and child-friendly, but these floors can also withstand commercial wear. With a wide range of colors and looks, this is a perfect fit for any style.

The dual certifications demonstrate Liberty Home’s commitment to healthier indoor environments and make their laminate flooring a solid choice for health-conscious consumers.

Conclusion

The move to non-toxic laminate flooring shows how we’ve become more aware of indoor air quality and health. Traditional laminate has been a reliable flooring choice, but concerns about VOCs have led to better, safer options. Today’s homeowners can find certified low-emission products from trusted laminate brands like Newton, Mannington, and Liberty Home that meet GREENGUARD, FloorScore, or CARB2 standards. These options prove you don’t have to choose between practical flooring and a healthy home – you can have both durability and peace of mind at an affordable price.